New Zealand’s Ben Sears fields off his own bowling during the third one day international (ODI) cricket match between New Zealand and Pakistan at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on April 5, 2025. – AFP Photo

New Zealand whitewashed Pakistan in the three-match one-day international series by winning the third match by 43 runs in Mount Maunganui on Saturday.

A short partnership between Abdullah Shafique (33 off 56) and Babar Azam (50 off 58) gave the initial impetus. Then, Mohammad Rizwan (37 off 32) and Tayyab Tahir (33 off 31) chipped in, but to no avail as the other comrades failed to capitalise on their gains, while chasing 265-run target in the rain-shortened match.

Imam-ul-Haq was retired hurt and Usman Khan (12 off 17) was routed cheaply. After that, only Salman Agha (11) and Naseem Shah (17) could reach double digit figures as New Zealand finished the job with two overs to spare.

Ben Sears star performance with 5 wickets for 34 runs played the key role in bringing down the opponents.

Batting first, Rhys Mariu scored a maiden half-century as New Zealand posted 264-8 off 42 overs Saturday.

Captain Michael Bracewell also surpassed 50 as the home side set a competitive total in their bid to sweep the three-match series.

The contest was reduced to 42 overs each after a wet outfield at Bay Oval delayed the start of play by nearly two hours.

Opener Mariu, playing just his second international match, scored a composed 58 off 61 balls, featuring six fours and two sixes.

A number of New Zealand middle-order batsmen made starts but didn´t press on for big scores until Bracewell produced a flashy 59 at the death.

The skipper struck six sixes in his 40-ball knock before being caught off the last ball of the innings bowled by Akif Javed.

Seamer Javed took 4-62 off his eight overs although Naseem Shah was arguably the best of the Pakistan bowlers, taking 2-54 and bowling with good pace and movement.

Pakistan lost the first ODI in Napier by 73 runs and the second in Hamilton by 84 runs, after having been defeated 4-1 in the T20 series.

Source: Geo News